Ayurveda San Francisco suggests that during Winter, the inner Agni or the digestive fire is stronger than in other season of the year. So this is the time when you can chow down and eat more heartily because the digestive fire is strong. Strengthen your body and mind during this time.

1. Warmth

Eat warm and nutrient dense meals. This would include foods such as stews, soups, dairy (organic), almonds and other soaked nuts, soaked dry fruits such as raisins, dates or figs (which can be served with cinnamon). Avoid ice cream and cold foods. Stay warm and bundle up.

2. Spices

Include the following spices in your diet: fennel, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, licorice, cloves, basil, and parsley. Vata Churna is a spice mixture that already has a lot of these spices in it. You can sprinkle some on your food.

3. Hydrate Right

Avoid ice cold drinks and drink warm ones instead. Drink hot water throughout the day. Boil water gently for about 15 minutes in an uncovered pot. Then pour into a stainless steel thermos and sip small amounts throughout the day. Avoid stimulants, such as coffee, black tea, cigarettes since these throw the Vata (space and air elements) off very quickly and out of balance.

4. Oil Massage

Loving yourself with an oil massage. Doing an oil massage with unrefined, cold-pressed sesame oil, or with Vata Oil (oil cooked with vata pacifying herbs) help to nourish the skin and is anti-aging. Please leave on for a few minutes before taking a shower or bath afterwards so the oils and herbs can be absorbed by all the different layers of tissue. This massage has a calming effect on the nervous system, supports the circulation, and aids in toxin reduction from the body.

5. Vata Reduction

Reduce everything that could compromise the Vata dosha balance in your body, especially during Autumn and Winter. Reducing stress factors such as work pressures, long journeys/travel/commutes, going to bed past 10pm, too much tv or late night computer work. For change, have a warm, relaxing bath with epsom salts and a few drops of lavender essential oil. Listening to some relaxing music before bedtime or reading some uplifting spiritual books or poetry. Get enough rest and sleep. Sleep is very important during this time.

Come in for a tune-up and re-balance yourself and your life. Renee has opened up another office for ayurveda San Francisco at the Sanctuary at the new CenterSF in the lower Haight, 546 Fillmore between Oak and Fell.

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